Novamax Chitosan wound dressing

Chitosan is one of the mostly used biomaterial in medical equipment after cellulose. It is a natural polysaccharide which is gained from Chitin. Chitin is naturally found in the exoskeletons of Conchifera such as crabs, shrimps or in the cell wall of fungi, yeast, and other microorganisms. With an increase in the degree of De-Acetylation over 50 percent and an increase in the amount of Nitrogen up to 7 percent, the structure of Chitin is changed and turned into Chitosan (Figure 1). The degree of De-Acetylation has a great impact on the physical properties of Chitin. The more the degree, the better viscosity, solubility, hemocompatibility and biological properties. It should be noted that there are different sources for Chitin extraction.The chemical and physical properties are highly influenced by these sources as well.

Figure 1. Extraction of chitosan from chitin found in the exoskeletons of shellfish.

One of the main characteristics of the Chitosan is the positive charge of its Amines group which makes it hemostatic and anti-microbial. The positive charge of chitosan can absorb the blood with negative charge causing hemostasis. The electrostatic bond between the cell walls of the bacterias (negative charge) and the Chitosan leads to the bacteria's death.

Chitosan can be used in various forms and structures including fibers, hydrogels, nanoparticles, and dressings. It is a new product for complicated wounds.  The dressing is made up of non-woven chitosan and absorbs moderate to high exudate. The anti-microbial feature of the chitosan controls the infection level of the wounds. When in contact with the wound, the Chitosan dressing turns into a gel like and controls the wound moisture. One of the main features of Chitosan dressing is that it prevents the spread of secretions around the wound which in turn prevents the inflammation of the healthy tissue around the wound. The most fascinating characteristics of the chitosan dressing is its hemostatic feature. It creates a physical barrier against bleeding and levels up hemoglobin concentration by absorbing the blood plasma. This process activates the body’s hemostasis system and consequently more blood platelets are aggregated and adhered together.

Figure 2. Non-dispersibility of liquids in chitosan bandages

Knowing the importance and the unique application of Chitosan dressing, Tajhiz Gostar Tamin Salamat company has prioritized the production of Chitosan. Novamax Chitosan Dressings impact wound healing process within three stages. First, it prevents bleeding by creating a clot which in turn lessens the pain and reduces the inflammatory activity. At the next stage, Novamax chitosan dressing affects the growth of fibroblast cells and prevents the growth of Keratinocyte; therefore, it prevents additional tissue growth and scar at the last stage of wound healing. Chitosan dressing protects the wound against all microorganism and bacteria at all stages.

Figure 3. Therapeutic Properties of Chitosan Novamax Dressing

 

 

References:

Feng, Peipei, Yang Luo, Chunhai Ke, Haofeng Qiu, Wei Wang, Yabin Zhu, Ruixia Hou, Long Xu, and Songze Wu. "Chitosan-based functional materials for skin wound repair: Mechanisms and applications." Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 9 (2021): 650598.

Matica MA, Aachmann FL, Tøndervik A, Sletta H, Ostafe V. Chitosan as a Wound Dressing Starting Material: Antimicrobial Properties and Mode of Action. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Nov 24;20(23):5889. doi: 10.3390/ijms20235889. PMID: 31771245; PMCID: PMC6928789.